Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Columbia, South Carolina, United States

Columbia, United States, Columbia, Destination & Trip Type Pages, Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities

Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Columbia, South Carolina, United States

1. Jardín Botánico de Medellín

Explore a vibrant tropical garden in the heart of Medellín, showcasing Colombian flora and fauna.
  • Tropical Escape: Offers a lush, tropical escape amidst bustling city life
  • Educational: Includes an educational center that focuses on conservation and research
  • Accessibility: Easily accessible by public transportation or metrocable

2. Guatapé and La Piedra del Peñol

Visit the colorful town of Guatapé and climb La Piedra del Peñol for panoramic views of the lake.
  • Zocalos: Famous for vibrant 'zocalos' (murals) on houses around town
  • Natural Wonder: Hike up 740 steps to reach the top of La Piedra del Peñol for breathtaking views
  • Lake Activities: Enjoy boat trips, water sports, and fishing on Lake Guatapé

3. San Andrés Island

Experience Caribbean paradise with crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life.
  • Beaches: Offers stunning beaches, ideal for swimming and snorkeling
  • Diving and Snorkeling: Known for world-class diving and snorkeling sites
  • Cultural Experience: Learn about the unique culture of the local Kankuamo people

4. Tayrona National Natural Park

Explore a tropical coastal paradise with pristine beaches and ancient ruins.
  • Natural Beauty: Features stunning natural beauty, including rainforests and coral reefs
  • Archeology: Home to pre-Columbian ruins such as the Wiwa indigenous settlement of Buriticá
  • Wildlife Spotting: Opportunities for wildlife viewing, including monkeys, sloths, and toucans

5. Salento and Cocora Valley

Discover the picturesque town of Salento and hike through the towering wax palm trees in Cocora Valley.
  • Wax Palms: Home to the world's tallest palms, the iconic wax palms
  • Cultural Experience: Immerse in traditional Colombian culture with music and food
  • Hiking Opportunities: Offers a variety of hiking trails for all levels

6. Montería and El Bagre

Experience the vibrant culture of Montería, then visit the unique salt mines at El Bagre.
  • Festivals: Known for lively festivals like the Batalla de Flores (Battle of Flowers)
  • Mining History: Learn about salt mining history and witness traditional methods
  • Eco-Tourism: Offers eco-tourism opportunities such as bird watching and guided tours

7. Bogotá and Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral

Discover Colombia's capital city, Bogotá, then visit the stunning Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá.
  • City Life: Experience a cosmopolitan city with art, culture, and gastronomy
  • Architecture: Visit the unique Salt Cathedral, an architectural marvel carved into salt mines
  • History: Learn about Colombian history and the Catholic faith in this sacred space

8. Cartagena

Step back in time in the walled city of Cartagena, with its beautiful colonial architecture.
  • Colonial Charm: Features charming, colorful buildings and cobblestone streets
  • Historic Sites: Offers numerous historic sites, including Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
  • Beach Relaxation: Enjoy the city's beautiful beaches and laid-back vibe

9. Barranquilla and Carnaval de Barranquilla

Visit Barranquilla, then experience the vibrant culture of Colombia through its famous Carnival.
  • Cultural Immersion: Immerse in Colombian culture during the annual Carnaval de Barranquilla
  • Music and Dance: Enjoy music, dance, and costumes from around Colombia
  • Historic Center: Explore the beautiful historic center of Barranquilla

10. Minca and Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

Visit Minca for its coffee farms, waterfalls, and the majestic Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
  • Coffee Experience: Learn about coffee production on working coffee farms
  • Natural Beauty: Offers stunning landscapes, including waterfalls and lush forests
  • Mountain Adventure: Opportunities for hiking and bird watching in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

11. Popayán

Discover Popayán's charming colonial architecture and visit its nearby national parks.
  • Colonial Charm: Features well-preserved colonial architecture
  • Historic Sites: Visit historic sites like the Popayán Cathedral and Santuario de las Lajas
  • Natural Beauty: Surrounded by national parks, offering opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing

12. Manzanares and Tatamá National Natural Park

Visit the small town of Manzanares and explore the beautiful Tatamá National Natural Park.
  • Natural Beauty: Features stunning landscapes, including cloud forests and high-altitude grasslands
  • Wildlife Spotting: Opportunities for wildlife viewing, including spectacled bears and quetzals
  • Cultural Experience: Immerse in the traditional culture of indigenous communities

13. Tunja and Parque Nacional Natural Sumapaz

Discover Tunja's historic center and hike through the vast grasslands of Sumapaz National Park.
  • Historic Center: Explore the charming, colonial-style historic center of Tunja
  • Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking landscapes in Sumapaz National Park
  • Cultural Experience: Learn about the indigenous Muisca culture and their gold museum

14. Pereira and Cocora Valley

Visit Pereira for its coffee production and hike through the beautiful Cocora Valley.
  • Coffee Experience: Learn about coffee production on working coffee farms
  • Natural Beauty: Offers stunning landscapes, including the iconic wax palms in Cocora Valley
  • Cultural Experience: Immerse in traditional Colombian culture with music and food

15. Ibagué and Salto de la Laja

Visit Ibagué for its colonial architecture and experience the power of Salto de la Laja waterfall.
  • Colonial Charm: Features charming, colonial-style buildings
  • Natural Wonder: Experience the beauty and power of Salto de la Laja waterfall
  • Cultural Experience: Learn about local culture through museums and artisanal workshops